Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth that’s most likely to occur in people whose immune system is weakened. That basically means that if you’re a healthy adult, you’re not likely to develop thrush.
If you do get it, using home remedies is a great way to get rid of it. Unlike synthetic antifungal medication, such as nystatin or fluconazole, home remedies are suitable for a most people, regardless of age, health, or additional treatments.
Before discussing home treatments, though, it’s important to go through the main symptoms of oral thrush – you need to be able to recognize them as soon as you see them, so that you can treat it quickly and effectively.
What are the symptoms of oral thrush?
The main symptoms of oral thrush are white, creamy patches in your mouth, usually on the
tongue and cheek. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may also experience a burning sensation in the mouth, difficulties swallowing, and even hoarseness, if the infection has spread to your larynx and trachea.
Home Remedies
Active compounds in natural ingredients have been shown to cure oral thrush by directly affecting the candida albicans colonies in your mouth. Most of these solutions are applied locally, directly on the affected region. There is no clearly determined period of treatment, as the strength of the solution plays an important role. If your home remedy of choice seems to be ineffective after a few days of use, you may want to consult a doctor.
Some essential oils have been shown to kill candida albicans and lower the spread of thrush. The most commonly-used is coconut oil. You’ll have to apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the affected areas with a cotton swab, usually 2-4 times a day, until you’re happy with the results.
Another great home remedy is salt. Add one tablespoon of salt to one cup of water and use the mixture to gargle thoroughly. Repeat a few times a day for several days, until the symptoms are gone.
You can also use tea tree oil. Add 4/5 drops to one cup of warm water and use that to gargle
thoroughly twice a day for several days, until the infection improves. Be careful not to swallow, as there may be some unpleasant side effects.
Other home remedies include yogurt, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. They’re all applied locally, and yogurt and apple cider vinegar may also be consumed, either alone or mixed with other ingredients.
Home remedies are an effective way to treat thrush, especially if you start using them from the earliest symptoms.
Compared to antifungal medication such as nystatin, fluconazole, or echinocandins, home remedies are much more versatile. They can be used by patients with other health conditions, such as diabetes or AIDS, they’re suitable for babies and the elderly alike, and they’re also less likely to cause unpleasant side effects.
As with all treatments, however, you should check with your doctor before using them.
Resources:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Oral-thrush—adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://patient.info/health/oral-thrush-yeast-infection
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-oral-thrush.html
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/thrush-home-treatment
https://draxe.com/oral-thrush/